Melody Makers Studio
About
I have many years of successful teaching experience with students of all ages and skill levels.
I love listening to students at the end of a teaching period (a year) and hearing that they have improved since the beginning of the teaching period. They have worked hard and i have helped them improve!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to meet the parent(s) to discuss their expectations and to explain my approach to lessons and the curriculum that I use. Students who have had lessons elsewhere are asked to play for me to help place them correctly into my program. This is not an audition but is a chance for me to find the best fit for each student in my program.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill and pursued graduate studies at Morehouse College in England. I have taught private music lessons since 1987.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $120./month for a 9 month lesson year running from September through May. This translates to $30/lesson over the year. Summer lessons are charged individually. All students pay an annual registration fee. It is $90 for the 2016-2017 year.
How did you get started teaching?
I decided to teach lessons because I have fond memories of my own childhood piano teacher. Her support and encouragement led me to love music as a performer and to want to encourage others to enjoy it also.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from 6 years old to adults in retirement who have taken music up as a hobby.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently a young (8 years old) student asked if he could play a song for me that he had written himself. He is in his second year of piano and has been a good, if quiet, student. Of course, I agreed to hear his song. It was wonderful! The theme was Halloween Night and it was full of silly words and sounds that he made as well as a nice melody line. I recorded it for him so we will remember it and play it again sometime. This extra effort and creativity on his part made my week!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I advise students and parents to meet the teacher and visit the studio. This is a teacher/student/parent relationship that you are building and you do have choice in the matter. You want to feel comfortable and engaged during your lessons.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
For students:
Am I interested in doing this and am I willing to put in the practice time necessary to be successful?
For parents:
Am I interested in pursuing this with my child?